It’s easy to think of seat belts as the driver’s concern. But in a crash, every person in the vehicle is moving at the same speed, and anyone who isn’t buckled has far less protection. A single-vehicle crash south of Fargo last weekend is a hard reminder.
What Happened
According to a North Dakota Highway Patrol news release, the crash happened at about 9:10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, near 36th Street and 88th Avenue South, about three miles south of Fargo. A Ford Expedition was heading north on 36th Street approaching a curve when it struck a directional sign. Roads were dry and the weather was clear.
Five people were in the SUV, and all were taken to Fargo hospitals:
- The driver was wearing a seat belt and was injured.
- An 18-year-old passenger suffered serious, life-threatening injuries. She was not wearing a seat belt.
- Two other passengers, ages 19 and 26, were injured and were not wearing seat belts.
- Seat belt use by a fourth passenger is under investigation.
The patrol says charges are under investigation and the crash remains under investigation. We’re thinking of the young woman who was seriously hurt, and of everyone injured, and we hope for their recovery. The cause of this crash hasn’t been determined, so the lessons below are general.
What North Dakota Law Says
North Dakota’s seat belt law, NDCC ยง 39-21-41.4, puts the responsibility on the person behind the wheel. A driver may not operate a motor vehicle designed for fewer than 11 passengers on a highway unless each occupant is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt. That includes passengers in the back seat. The law lists limited exceptions, such as children who are properly secured in a child restraint, certain farm and mail-delivery situations, and documented medical conditions.
The same chapter shows that North Dakota’s old secondary-enforcement section has been repealed.
Why Passengers Need Belts, Too
An unbelted passenger can be thrown against the inside of the vehicle, into other people, or out of the vehicle entirely. Even at moderate speed, a sudden stop can do serious harm. A seat belt keeps you in your seat and spreads the force of a crash across the strongest parts of your body.
That’s why the habit matters for everyone in the car, on short trips and long ones, in the front seat and in the back.
Make “Everyone Buckled” the Rule
- Don’t start the car until everyone is buckled. As the driver, you’re the one the law holds responsible.
- Make it routine for friends, too. A quick “belts on?” before you pull out is easy and normal.
- Don’t carry more people than you have belts. If there aren’t enough seat belts, someone needs another ride.
- Wear the belt correctly. The lap belt goes low across the hips and the shoulder belt across the chest, never behind your back or under your arm.
Driving Curves Safely at Night
Rural curves can come up quickly in the dark, especially on roads you don’t drive often.
- Slow down before the curve, not in it. Brake while you’re still going straight.
- Watch for curve signs and reflective markers. They show you where the road is going before your headlights do.
- Use high beams when it’s safe, and dim them for oncoming traffic.
- Keep your eyes on the road. At night, a short glance away can mean missing the start of a curve.
- Stay sober and rested. Night driving needs your full attention.
For more on staying safe on North Dakota roads this fall, see our post on bridge inspections and work zone safety.
Points and the North Dakota Point Reduction Course
Moving violations can add points to your North Dakota driving record. According to NDDOT, a driver who reaches 12 or more points faces a suspension of 7 days for each point over 11. Drivers under 18 have their license or privileges canceled at 6 or more points. Drivers can take an approved defensive driving course to reduce their total points by 3, once every 12 months.
Our North Dakota Defensive Driving Point Reduction Course is NDDOT-approved, court-accepted, and fully online. You get unlimited retakes and an instant certificate, and completion is reported to NDDOT automatically.
The Bottom Line
A seat belt only works if it’s buckled. Before you put the car in drive, check that every seat is belted, and slow down for the curves you can’t see yet.
Need to take points off your record? Start the North Dakota point reduction course.
